If She Wants to Be with Wine More Than Me, Is That Being Unfaithful?

If She Wants Be Wine More Than Me Is That Being Unfaithful
Updated:
Dr. Wendy Walsh
Lillian Castro

By: Dr. Wendy Walsh

Editor: Lillian Castro

Our dating experts guide readers step-by-step through relationship challenges and romantic decisions in our popular series of advice articles.

Reader Question:

I have been married for just under 15 years, but for the last 10 years, she has been abusing alcohol. She has been in two accidents while under the influence, and she has been to suicide watch several times.

If she wants to be with her wine more than me, would you consider that being unfaithful?

-Harvey (New Mexico)

Dr. Wendy Walsh’s Answer:

Yes. She needs an intervention followed by strong consequences. If she doesn’t go to AA meetings and stay clean, she’s out.

But remember that leaving the relationship can put her in great danger if it triggers a binge. Don’t fully abandon her. Make sure you support her in her recovery while maintaining boundaries.

Enlist family members and professionals to help you. You are hurting her more by enabling her behavior.


No counseling or psychotherapy advice: The Site does not provide psychotherapy advice. The Site is intended only for use by consumers in search of general information of interest pertaining to problems people may face as individuals and in relationships and related topics. Content is not intended to replace or serve as substitute for professional consultation or service. Contained observations and opinions should not be misconstrued as specific counseling advice.

About the Author

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Dr. Wendy Walsh

By: Dr. Wendy Walsh

Women's Dating Expert

Known as America's Relationship Expert, Dr. Wendy Walsh is an award-winning television journalist, radio host & podcaster, and the author of three books on relationships and thousands of print and digital articles. More than 1.5 million people follow her sage advice on social media. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and teaches in the Psychology Department at California State University Channel Islands and has been the host of "The Dr. Wendy Walsh Show" on iHeart Radio's KFI AM 640 since 2015. Walsh is also a former Emmy-nominated co-host of "The Doctors," as well as former host of the nationally syndicated show "EXTRA." She was named a Time Magazine Person of the Year in 2017 after speaking out about harassment at a major news network.

See Dr. Wendy's full bio »

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